No 'substantial likelihood of conviction,' police and Crown say

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The Saint John Police Force's major crime unit completed the investigation and forwarded the file to the Crown's office for review. (CBC)

Saint John police say no charges will be laid in the death of a man last spring, following an altercation at a restaurant and lounge on the city's west side.

Scott Crawford, 43, died in hospital on April 12, 11 days after he sustained life-threatening injuries in an early morning fight at AJ's, on Manawagonish Road.

"The Crown prosecutors' office in consultation with the Saint John Police Force has determined that there is not a substantial likelihood of conviction, and therefore no charges will be laid as a result of this incident," Sgt. Jay Henderson stated in a release on Thursday.

Crawford's family was informed of the decision on Wednesday, he said.

A 37-year-old man was arrested at the time of the incident and police said he would face a charge of aggravated assault.

He was released on conditions and was scheduled to appear in court on May 8.

"No official charges were ever laid," Henderson told CBC News.

The major crime unit completed its investigation and forwarded the file to the Crown prosecutors' office for review, he said.

New Brunswick is one of only three provinces with so-called pre-charge screening, which requires approval from the Crown before charges can be laid.